On January 25, Ms. Kim Hao (residing in Tan Tru district, Long An province) returned to Nhi Dong 2 Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City) to collect anti-rejection medication for her son. Just weeks prior, the boy underwent a life-changing major surgery, reviving thanks to a kidney donation from a brain-dead donor.
Baby C. (right) with his mother on the day of discharge after a successful kidney transplant.
A New Life Thanks to a Donated Kidney
On December 18, Nhi Dong 2 Hospital received information from the National Organ Transplant Coordination Center about a potential organ donor at Binh Duong General Hospital. The donor was a 47-year-old male who had been admitted in critical condition due to severe cerebral hemorrhage and was declared brain dead despite extensive efforts to save him.
Under the direction of the hospital’s management, doctors quickly contacted suitable recipients, conducted inter-hospital consultations with Cho Ray Hospital, and prepared all necessary procedures for the retrieval and transplantation of the kidney. The chosen recipient was Baby C. (born 2011), son of Ms. Hao.
Since 2020, Baby C. had been diagnosed with end-stage chronic kidney disease and required regular dialysis. Despite ongoing treatment, his health deteriorated, placing immense strain on his family. Both parents worked as manual laborers with unstable incomes.
Ms. Hao recounted that when Baby C. was first diagnosed, he was in fourth grade. Since then, he had to temporarily stop attending school to undergo dialysis every week at Nhi Dong 2 Hospital. Aware of his need for a kidney transplant, his parents expressed their willingness to donate but were forced to wait due to financial constraints.
The donated kidney was safely transported from Binh Duong to Ho Chi Minh City under police escort.
Successful Kidney Transplant Surgery
After months of waiting, Baby C.’s chance came at the end of December 2024. Upon learning that their son was selected for the transplant, Ms. Hao and her husband were filled with joy and gratitude for the generous act of the donor’s family.
The kidney was transported from Binh Duong to Ho Chi Minh City under strict preservation conditions to ensure optimal quality. The surgical team, comprising doctors from Nhi Dong 2 and experts from Cho Ray Hospital, faced significant challenges, particularly addressing severe vascular sclerosis caused by prolonged dialysis.
Doctors decided to use the common iliac artery for anastomosis and connected the donor’s renal vein to the inferior vena cava using side-to-side suturing. After hours of intense effort, the surgery was successfully completed, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for further monitoring.
Surgeons performed the complex kidney transplant surgery for the patient.
The Happiest Tet in Five Years
More than three weeks post-surgery, Baby C.’s health improved significantly, and he was discharged just before Tet (Lunar New Year). Notably, most of the medical expenses were covered through donations and sponsorships organized by the Social Work Department at Nhi Dong 2 Hospital.
Currently, Baby C. is recuperating at home. Meanwhile, his father continues working to support the family and prepare for Tet. This Tet marks the happiest celebration in five years for the family, as their son has overcome his critical condition and begun a new life.
Baby C. is recovering well after the successful kidney transplant.
Ms. Hao emotionally shared, “Words cannot express our gratitude. We thank the donor, the doctors, and the Social Work Department for their help in saving our son.”
Baby C.’s family celebrated Tet happily after the successful kidney transplant.
Conclusion
Baby C.’s story not only demonstrates medical progress but also highlights the profound human values of community. The collaboration between skilled medical professionals, the donor’s selfless act, and the support from benefactors brought joy and hope to a struggling family. Let us share such inspiring stories to foster a more compassionate society.
Source:
Dân trí Online
